2017/2018 Gwinnett CommunityProfiles

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Gwinnett: A Global Community of Choice Dr. Daniel J. Kaufman Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce For businesses or families looking to relocate, a vibrant and diverse community of choice in which to live, learn, work, and play awaits them in Gwinnett. The second largest county in Georgia, Gwinnett has emerged as an economic powerhouse and a hub in metro Atlanta for a wide range of commercial enterprises, to include technology, bioscience, advanced manufacturing, supply chain and logistics, and information services firms. We are fortunate to live, learn, work, and play in a community with so many assets that continue to propel us forward. Located just 20 minutes northeast of downtown Atlanta, Gwinnett truly exemplifies a robust economic diversity. Gwinnett is in the top three percent of all U.S. counties in terms of minority business ownership, with over 40 percent of businesses within the County being minority-owned. Indeed, Gwinnett is one of only eight counties in the nation where African- American, Asian and Hispanic business ownership rates exceed nine percent, and we are the only county outside of New York, Washington D.C., and Houston that meets such a level of economic diversity. Gwinnett’s pro-business reputation is well deserved – here businesses have access to an extensive list of state and local incentives, a highly skilled workforce educated at the area’s many universities and technical schools, a rapidly growing regional market, a cohesive network of interstates and rail lines, and convenient access to the world’s busiest airport and the Georgia seaports of Savannah and Brunswick. With an impressive arts, cultural and sports scene in a community that is strategically positioned in the dynamic metropolitan Atlanta region, putting down roots in Gwinnett is indeed a smart choice for businesses and families alike. Discover Gwinnett, and see for yourself why success really does live here. A Remarkable Place The 7th District of Georgia By Rob Woodall It’s no secret that Georgia’s Seventh Congressional District is a wonderful place to call home, and as a result, more and more folks from across the state and country continue to do just that. In fact, Forsyth and Gwinnett have been among the fastest growing counties in Georgia the entire time I’ve had the honor of representing the district. We’re a collection of the best and brightest of all ages, religions, and backgrounds, and we’re eager to welcome those who want to be a part of it. From education to economic growth, our community is engaged, and I couldn’t be prouder of what we’ve accomplished together. We hear a lot about opportunity, but it isn’t just a buzzword in the Seventh District. We get to see and feel it in action on a daily basis with the two-time Broad Prize winning Gwinnett County Public Schools, Forsyth County Schools’ highest high school graduation rate in Georgia, or as reported by Bloomberg Government, 61% more district-based businesses than the State average. These numbers and achievements absolutely speak for themselves, and are a direct reflection of who we are as a community. Whether recent graduates starting careers, young families, or established professionals, the cornerstones of education and economic growth are unquestionably at the heart of our success, and a vibrant and diverse community is the result. But as we all know, an excellent quality of life means more than just a degree and a career – though those are vital pieces to the puzzle. From nationally touring and local musicians at Duluth’s Red Clay Theater, the Gwinnett Braves providing the next generation of ballplayers to the Major League organization down the road in Atlanta, or the beautiful shores of Lake Lanier, you’ll have plenty to do when you don’t have your nose to the grindstone. The work, play, live model is alive and well here, and provides a balance that is evident in what we’re able to achieve in so many industries, communities, and households. The Seventh District is a community that gets things done. We see that not only in our past successes, but in how we embrace new challenges and solve problems. With growth and success comes increased demand for transportation and infrastructure to ensure our continued success, so from local neighborhoods to Capitol Hill we partner with each other to make it happen. It’s the topic of discussion at Community Improvement District (CID) meetings across the region; it’s the willingness of Forsyth County residents to approve a $200 million bond initiative for the expansion of GA 400 rather than wait for state or federal funds; it’s
Georgia’s legislature and Governor Deal coming together to pass a $1.2 billion dollar transportation bill; and it’s the first long-term surface transportation bill in a decade being signed into law by the President just last year. I’m proud to serve on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee that crafted this legislation, and I’m even prouder of the way we as a community acted in every way possible to improve an already exceptional place to call home. Irrespective of any differences we may have, it’s this wonderful partnership that keeps us earning accolades across the board. From Forsyth County News earning national recognition for innovation in newspapers and media markets, the City of Suwanee’s past and repeated recognition as one of the “Top 100” places to live, or the movie industry building a new 465,000 square foot facility – the largest stage complex under one roof in the United States – you can find all these things in Georgia’s Seventh Congressional District. Countless men and women have worked tremendously hard to make it what it is, and I’m so proud to be surrounded by – and partner with – such remarkable people. The future is bright for our part of the world, and I can’t wait to see what’s in store. Welcome to Gwinnett County Charlotte J. Nash Chairman Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners Welcome to Gwinnett County! Having grown up here when farmland covered most of our 437 square miles, I am amazed at how the county has changed in the last half-century. Today, we’re a dynamic urban environment with big-city attractions while retaining our small-town, Southern charm. We’ve grown from 72,349 people in 1970 to nearly 900,000 today. Interstate 85 helped us become the northeast gateway to metro Atlanta from the mid-Atlantic and upper East Coast states. On our northern boundary, Lake Lanier provides downstream flood control, water supply, electricity, and outstanding recreation and quality of life benefits. Our proactive, fiscally conservative county government provides infrastructure that supports growth and makes this an enviable place to live, work, learn, and play. We’re making sure our water, sewer, stormwater, solid waste, and road systems can handle growth with minimal borrowing from future generations. The best credit ratings assure low interest rates when we do finance projects. Voter-approved sales tax programs allow a pay-as-you-go approach to help build and widen our roads, our nationally recognized parks system, well-equipped police and fire and emergency services, award-winning libraries, and numerous city projects in our 16 municipalities. Internally, technology helps us operate efficiently and effectively and communicate with residents about everything from our budgeting and spending plans to upcoming road or construction projects that may affect their daily lives. Our website, www.gwinnettcounty.com, is a source for almost everything you would want to know about county government. Gwinnett County offers local and express bus service and Briscoe Field general aviation airport in Lawrenceville. Much of the traffic on our 2,500 miles of roads is managed by a traffic control center, which also provides current camera views online. It’s a short drive to downtown Atlanta, Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, or the University of Georgia. Eighty percent of the U. S. population is within a two-hour flight. Mountains and beaches are only hours away. We like to say that you can progress from Pre-K to a PhD in Gwinnett County. In addition to Gwinnett County Public Schools, Buford City Schools, and a number of private primary schools, Gwinnett is home to many institutions of higher learning. Georgia Gwinnett College, Gwinnett Technical College, and the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine are a few of the places where you or your kids can get a great education and career preparation. Public entities, private businesses, and the Chamber of Commerce work together in an economic development initiative called Partnership Gwinnett that helps businesses locate or expand here. And county government offers one-stop convenience for building permits, plan reviews, and inspections. Gwinnett offers plenty of housing options and excellent healthcare, recreation, entertainment, and libraries as well as a variety of shopping and dining options. You can walk, run, hike, bike, or ride a horse on more than 125 miles of trails in Gwinnett County’s 10,000 acres of county parks. The National Park Service and the U.S. Forest Service have designated 50 miles of trails at four parks as National Recreation Trails. The Gwinnett Environmental and Heritage Center embodies our efforts to protect water quality and minimize the impact of growth on the natural environment. We also take pride in maintaining our facilities and preserving historic homes and buildings, including a grist mill and a working farm. We’re blessed with location, geography, climate, and warm-hearted, diverse people who care about this place and each other. I’ve been honored to serve Gwinnett County for decades as an employee and since 2011 as an elected official. I hope you will choose Gwinnett as your home and experience our excellent quality of life for yourself as an active, engaged member of our community.
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2017/2018 Gwinnett CommunityProfiles

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